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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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scornful

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How to pronounce scornful (audio)

Dictionary definition of scornful

Contempt, disdain, or disrespect towards someone or something.
"She shot him a scornful glance, clearly unimpressed with his actions."

Detailed meaning of scornful

When someone is scornful, they display a deep-seated and openly negative attitude or opinion, often accompanied by a sense of superiority. Their scornful behavior may manifest through scornful looks, sarcastic remarks, or dismissive gestures. Individuals who are scornful tend to belittle or reject the target of their scorn, considering them unworthy or beneath their notice. The tone of scornfulness implies a combination of anger, disgust, and arrogance, reflecting a profound lack of respect or admiration. It signifies an attitude of contemptuous derision, highlighting a strong aversion or disregard for the object of scorn.

Example sentences containing scornful

1. The teacher's scornful tone made the student feel small and humiliated.
2. The politician responded to the journalist's question with a scornful laugh.
3. His scornful remarks about her appearance left her feeling hurt and self-conscious.
4. The scornful crowd jeered and booed as the opposing team took the field.
5. She couldn't help but feel scornful towards her cheating ex-boyfriend.
6. The scornful expression on his face revealed his contempt for the idea.

History and etymology of scornful

The adjective 'scornful' originates from the Middle English word 'scornful,' which was derived from the Old French term 'scorne,' meaning 'contempt' or 'derision.' This Old French word, in turn, finds its roots in the Late Latin word 'excornare,' which combines 'ex' (out of) and 'cornu' (horn), forming the idea of 'pushing out with a horn' as an expression of contempt or disdain. The imagery of pushing someone or something away with disdainful gestures, much like a horned animal might fend off an adversary, conveys the essence of 'scornful.' Thus, the etymology of 'scornful' evokes the idea of expressing contempt, disdain, or disrespect towards someone or something with a dismissive and haughty attitude.

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Further usage examples of scornful

1. Despite her hard work, she received only scornful remarks from her colleagues.
2. The manager's scornful attitude towards his subordinates created a toxic work environment.
3. The artist's work was met with scornful criticism from the art community.
4. His scornful dismissal of her achievements showed his lack of respect.
5. The scornful laughter echoed through the room, mocking his failure.
6. She made a scornful remark under her breath, not caring if he heard it or not.
7. The professor's scornful reaction to the student's question discouraged further inquiry.
8. The actress received a scornful review from the harsh theater critic.
9. Her scornful glance cut through the tension in the room.
10. He wore a scornful smirk as he outsmarted his opponent.
11. The teacher's scornful tone silenced the unruly class.
12. She met his apology with a scornful shake of her head.
13. Their scornful laughter echoed in the empty hallway.
14. His scornful remarks wounded her deeply.
15. The critic's review was filled with scornful critiques.
16. Despite his efforts, he received only scornful glances.
17. She couldn't hide her scornful attitude toward the idea.
18. The politician's speech was laced with scornful rhetoric.
19. His scornful rejection shattered her hopes.
20. The manager's scornful attitude alienated the team.
21. He couldn't hide his scornful disbelief.
22. She shot him a scornful look as he boasted.
23. Their scornful dismissal of the project stung.
24. The coach's scornful critique left the player demoralized.
25. He regarded her with a scornful, judgmental eye.
26. The jury's scornful reaction spoke volumes.
27. Their scornful rejection of his proposal was crushing.
28. The audience responded with scornful jeers.

Suffix -ful, Annoyance and Irritation, Behavior and Conduct, Scorn and Censure

arrogant,condescending,contemptuous,derisive,disdainful,haughty,snobbish

dismissive,disrespectful,mocking,sneering,superior

contemptuous, admiring, respectful, appreciative

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